Research-backed
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As I prepared myself for the birth of my newborn, I knew in my heart that my baby was the most precious thing in the world. I knew that all hell would freeze over before I let anything happen to my child. Was this what they call maternal instinct? I do not know. What I do know is that this innate need to protect my child didn’t stop there. As the days after my delivery progressed, I was faced with several challenges. Taking care of another human being, one that is so fragile and delicate can be overwhelming and scary, to say the least. I would freak out every time my child cried or was in distress, but I gradually learned my child. I knew what was probably causing all that screaming and yelling, and if anyone could calm my baby down, it was me. They say “mothers know best,” and I would hundred percent agree.
Even as my child grew older, I was my child’s best friend. I saw my little kiddo shape into this unique individual, and although no guidebook or manual tells you how to deal with your child, I seemed to wing it every single time — until the pandemic hit us.
What Just Happened?
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I was a confident mother, and nothing could stop me. I knew the right things to say, when to give a hug, and when I had to be firm. This, of course, was not an overnight turn of events. It took me time to understand my child’s needs. But when the news of the pandemic turned our world upside down, it did something to my role as a mother. I suddenly found it difficult to navigate through what I should do to protect my child. I didn’t have an answer when my child asked if swimming classes would have to stop because of the pandemic. I didn’t know how to tell my child not to hold hands with her best friend anymore and instead be friends with a new buddy — hand sanitizer. I knew my child was scared and wanted answers, but for the first time, I was stuck, not knowing what to do.
I started doing what we all do best — look on the internet for answers. I soon realized that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way; many mothers out there felt the same way too. In fact, research has been conducted on the impact of the pandemic on mothers. The results showed that yes, the pandemic does affect mothers on a certain level (1), (2).
It is a hard time for us; the world is collectively fighting a huge battle. It has taken a toll on most of us physically and emotionally. So cut yourself some slack. It’s okay if you’re fumbling for the right words to tell your child or you don’t know how to reassure your child anymore. We’re all trying to figure this out!
Is There Anything You Can Do?
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It may help to talk to your partner or friends about the struggles you are facing. It will also be of great help if you could talk to other mothers like you. There are several online communities for mothers; join them. Most importantly, talk to your child. Be honest with your child even if you don’t have all the answers. As mothers, there is a lot of pressure from our children when it comes to “knowing things.” They idolize us, and in trying to keep up with their expectations, we tend to be unreasonable at times. You’re already doing your best.
We try to give the best of ourselves to our children, and that is a great thing. However, it is essential to understand and accept that times are hard, and parenting can be challenging. You are a great mother, and you’re doing all that you can to keep your precious child safe, so hats off to you! Have you been struggling with your motherly intuition of late? Let’s figure this out together. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
